CHAPTER FOUR
It’s a Process
Reese
“Nico, I know this is frustrating, but you have to be patient. It’s a process, just give me a little trust and I’ll help you get there,” I reassure a sweaty, pissed off Nico.
We have been at it for about a week now. I have no doubts now that I can help him, but he has to be willing to work with me. He gets so frustrated so fast.
I am grateful to Valentina for bringing Vita by each day. The little girl seems to relax him. However, they haven’t arrived yet today, and Nico is at the height of his frustration as I stretch him and push him to his limits, with the treatment I have set for him. I want to have sympathy for him, but I know he doesn’t want it. I also know it is not going to help him.
“This is the same bullshit the others have taken me through. Where is all the different shit you were supposed to offer me,” Nico growls.
I glare at him pointedly. I understand he is frustrated, but I don’t have to take him talking to me like this. His blue eyes lock with mine, blazing with defiance. I just want to wrap my fingers around his thick neck and squeeze. If he would just do what I say, we could move on. I can’t help him if he doesn’t open his mind to it. I am becoming just as frustrated as he is and that is not helping either of us.
“You don’t trust me. Until you do, this is what we are working with, Mr. Donati,” I hiss at him.
“How can I trust you when you insist on calling me, Mr. Donati,” he growls. He pauses in thought and something cross his face before his lips take on a sexy pout that I don’t even think he intends. “How can I trust you when I don’t know you?”
His eyes rake over my face. Oh God, this man will be the death of me. I fold my arms over my chest so he doesn’t see the effect he has on my body. I chide myself for the millionth time for my body’s unprofessional behavior. I have never reacted to another man like this, not even my own husband.
I sigh heavily. “I don’t know what to tell you, Nico. I can get you where you want to go, but you have to work with me,” I say more softly this time.
Nico looks away from me as his jaw flexes beneath the skin. My shoulders sag as I get ready to call it quits for the day. I’ll just massage his muscles and be on my way. My pulse races with the thought of those muscles under my fingertips.
For a week now, I have left this apartment with my body humming after working his muscles and having to have my hands on him. I have never had this problem before. I try to meditate on anything but my hands on his body, but it just doesn’t work. It is like my body has been tethered to his and comes alive with the simplest of touches.
“Tell me why you decided to be a physical therapist,” Nico suddenly says bringing me out of my thoughts.
I look up at him with furrowed brows. “What,” I ask confused.
“What made you become a PT. Your hands are so little, but you touch like you have all the strength in the world. You have a passion for what you do that shows. It is like you have been through something that drives you. So tell me little one. Why be a physical therapist?” Nico says with a teasing smile I have never seen before.
The smile makes me soften a bit more. I don’t know why I do it, but I open up to him like I have never opened to anyone. It all just pours out of my mouth. I can’t stop the words once they start.
“My dad used to play for the NFL. He was so great. I used to seat glued to the TV with my uncles watching his games,” I swallow thickly and lick my lips. “One game, Daddy got hit, the guy hit him so hard. I was used to seeing him get tackled, but this time was different.
“All the air left the room around my family as we all watched the screen in stunned silence. I remember hearing my own breathing as we waited for him to move and get up off the ground. He never did though.
“His career was over with that one hit. Daddy struggled to learn to walk again, he couldn’t do simple things with me anymore. Things like pushing me on the swing in our backyard, or giving me his infamous bear hugs. I watched him become so sad and distant.
“My mom refused to give up. She knew he would be able to walk again someday. I remember the day Dr. Hashem showed up. I could tell he was different from everyone else. He had this peace about him. I watched him bring my dad back to life in more ways than one.
“I was only about ten or so, but I knew he did what no one else could do for Daddy. Dr. Hashem became a great friend of the family,” I smile fondly. “He taught me to meditate and started me out in my curiosity about herbs.”
“Then one day, I twisted my ankle while riding my horse. When I got home, Dr. Hashem moved everyone out of the way and took over. I watched in awe as he worked over my ankle. I knew right then I wanted to help heal people and I wanted to be like the man that brought my dad back.
“Believe it or not my Dad didn’t think I should bank on unconventional medicines. I compromised and decided to study Physical Therapy, but the end goal has always been to start my own practice to blend the two methods. So far, I do okay. My dad has helped a lot with getting me the clientele I do have. He knows a lot of people around all the leagues,” I finish as I look down at my fingers that I have been playing with.
“I used to dance naked in the locker room before a game. I would get there before my team and let loose. I love to dance and it relaxes me. I love music. All kinds of music. My mother actually thought I would be a musician before I found my love of football,” Nico says causing me to look up at him.
He is smiling, a real smile. It is breathtaking, so breathtaking his actual words take a moment to sink in. I burst into laughter when I really hear his words. He gives me a mock look of horror.
“I tell you my secret and you laugh at me,” he rumbles, that smile taking over his face.
“I’m sorry,” I giggle. “I just can’t imagine you dancing around the locker room.”
“Is it you can’t imagine me dancing or the naked part,” he teases.
I blush and try to hide my smile. “Maybe a little of both,” I whisper, heat taking over my face.
“I’ll make a deal with you, Bella. I will trust you. I will do as you say and when you fix me, I will dance for you,” the humor leaves his face and he looks down sadly. “I miss dancing almost as much as I miss football. I will trust you if you can give me one of those back.”
I reach to gently place a hand on his shoulder. When he looks me in the eyes, I smile softly. “Deal. I can’t wait to see you dance for me,” I say.
My heart swells with the smile that returns to his face. Just then, Valentina and Vita enter the rooftop gym. I think my heart bursts when Nico’s smile turns even brighter as Vita toddles towards him with a squeal.